Cang Yan flew at the front of the group, not particularly fast, yet not one of the thirty-odd people behind him dared make a sound.
Even the tall, thin elder who served as his strategist merely followed with his head lowered, occasionally glancing at Cang Yan's back.
His subordinates all knew he was in a foul mood. No one dared provoke him.
It was past midnight when they returned to Gray Feather City.
Cang Yan did not return to his estate. He went straight to an unremarkable stone building in the west of the city.
It was where the Thousand Feathers Family usually handled confidential affairs. Outsiders were forbidden from approaching.
Only one cold white mineral lamp was lit inside, casting a dull gray light over the walls.
The moment he entered, he said, "Investigate that Xu Feng. Find out where he came from, who taught him, when he entered Black Gold Demon City, and how he got mixed up with Hang Yan. I want everything."
"Yes." The strategist left to carry out his orders.
Gray Feather City's intelligence network could not compare to Black Gold Demon City's, but it worked efficiently enough.
In less than three days, the strategist returned with a fairly detailed report.
"Fourth Elder, we found him. His name is Xu Feng. He's said to be an unaffiliated cultivator from the west, with no sect or school.
"He entered Black Gold Demon City a month ago. After clashing with the Blackgold Society's Enforcement Squad in Gray Pot Alley in the western district, he was recruited by Hang Yan. He now serves as a retainer at Hang Yan's estate.
"He's at Radiant God Ninth Rank, but his combat strength is extraordinary. Several Radiant God guest advisors under Hang Yan couldn't match him.
"He reportedly came to Black